Partners in Crime

Mia is always the genius behind any antics that Leo gets involved in, like swinging from the curtains or jumping on top of the refrigerator (after seeing Mia do it, Leo got up and was afraid to come down). Both Mia and I watched as he paced back and forth trying to find the courage to jump, following Mia and getting stuck behind the bookcase (Mia’s a lot smaller than Leo) or jumping onto the highest cabinet to eat the leaves of the only plant I possessed (both becoming sick).

Mia is a keen observer; she sees everything and remembers. She watches me like a hawk. To her everything is fair game and nothing is off limits. Earrings go missing, key rings are taken, tea candles are rolled across the floor and later found under the bed or couch, items disappear from my purse (if I forget to close it), and potpourri can be found all over the bathroom floor. Well, you get the picture. Once Mia identifies her new adventure, with some hesitation, Leo finally agrees to participate in the fun. However, Leo is never the initiator. He isn’t as curious as Mia. He usually becomes interested once Mia has brought something to his attention.

In Austin, I lived in a place that had a balcony overlooking a beautiful wooded area full of colorful birds and flying insects. Mia loved to go out, chase flies or other insects of an unknown origin (tasty treats if caught), charm the birds, and enjoy the hot Texas sun or warm starlit evening sky. For a while, a few months or so, Leo chose not to go onto the balcony. But eventually, after watching Mia through the window, chasing flies and bird watching, having all the fun, he decided to venture out. He wouldn’t stay long, but it was a start. The good thing about all of this is that Mia makes Leo’s life a little more exciting and interesting. With Mia in his life, Leo takes more chances. He becomes more daring, challenging his fears, and he has more fun. At least, it looks that way.

Who is your partner in crime? We all need at least one person who is outrageous enough to help us to soften our sometimes-unyielding edges, someone to help us remember not to take life or ourselves too seriously. My friend, Lorraine, has been my partner in crime since high school. I can’t begin to tell you all the outrageous things we have done throughout our friendship. We have a ball when we are together, no pretenses, just a lot of laughter and joy. All the shoulds and should-nots are stripped away. And who is the most daring? Lorraine is most of the time, but I’ve done some pretty bold things myself. It’s easier to step outside of your comfort zone when you are lovingly supported.
Once some years ago, I confessed to Lorraine that I had a crush on a news personality on one of the local television stations, and I was clueless on how I could meet him. Lorraine suggested that I call him and introduce myself and see what happens. I wasn’t willing to do that, but we came up with a better idea. Lorraine called and pretended to be my secretary and asked if this gentleman would be willing to meet with me to discuss the responsibilities a news anchor (he wasn’t the anchor yet, but I’m sure that’s what he aspired to become) for an upcoming children’s book on careers. She told him the publishing company I worked for and much to my surprise he said yes.

We met at a lovely small restaurant. I was so nervous that I almost chickened out, but it was too late to cancel. I was a little late getting to the restaurant, but when I arrived there he was, looking as fine in person as he looked on television. I sat down, pulled out my pad and pen, and began to ask a few questions. He ordered coffee, and I ordered tea and we chatted. I found out a lot about him, where he was from, where he went to school, what he majored in in college, how and when he decided to get into television news and what his aspirations were.

With a beautiful baritone voice, he spoke freely about himself, his future and whether he was going to stay in the Detroit market. We talked for about an hour. He was charming and professional. I was professional and inquisitive, almost believing that I was interviewing him for a book. Finally, I ran out of questions and the interview was over. I tried to mumble something about seeing him again, but I couldn’t get it out. So I did what a professional should do; I shook his hand (as my knees buckled), thanked him for the interview, and wished him well. He walked away, as I watched his slow, sexy stride; I clumsily sat down and ordered a Manhattan. Why? Because I had acted like a little girl and I needed something to make me feel like an adult again. I took one sip (that’s all I could take) and left the rest, but it was enough to give me a buzz so that I could have a good laugh at myself.

Lorraine has never let me forget that I let the man of my dreams slip through my fingers.

Learn a lesson from Leo. Find a friend who understands that life is an adventure; together, release your inhibitions and fears. Surprise yourself and go beyond your comfort zone. Experience living life to the fullest.